The radios allow school authorities to communicate with police or firefighters on their frequencies from inside the building after the initial 911 call has been made.

AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) _ It will soon be easier for school officials throughout Kennebec County to communicate with police and other first responders during emergencies.

All schools in the county will get new radios within the next six months.

County Emergency Management Agency planner Art True says the radios operate on emergency frequencies. If affected by an emergency, schools will have to initially call 911, but once authorities respond, those inside the building would be able to talk directly to police or firefighters on their frequencies. That eliminates the step of having to have 911 dispatchers relay messages from schools to police.

The Kennebec Journal reports that the program is being paid for with a $4,500 federal grant.

Kennebec County is believed to be the first in Maine to launch a county-wide program.